The presiding deity at Konkaneshwara temple in Akkihebbalu, Mandya district is Lord Shiva. This temple is situated next to the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Both temples are ancient with no … [Read More...]

January 2026 Hints
To clear baking mess in the kitchen, crush a piece of aluminium foil and get to scrub. It will clear the mess from your pots and pans in no time. How to clean kids scribbling on the wall? Use … [Read More...]

Festival dates in Magh month – January and February 2026
Festival dates in Magh month – January and February 2026 Mouna Gowri Vratha - 21 January 2026 to 27 February 2026 Vasanth Panchami - 23 January 2026 Rathasapthami - 25 January … [Read More...]

Paryaya of Sri Krishna Matha (Krishna Temple) of Udupi
Paryaya is a ritualistic system by which the pontiffs of the eight muttts of Udupi, by turn, take up the responsibility of worshipping the deity at the Sri Krishna temple. The ceremony of the handing … [Read More...]

Makara Shankrathi Platter 2026 – Pongal Platter
Happy Makara Shankranthi! The Sun moves and the cold bids goodbye. This time of the year is celebrated with harvest and food. … [Read More...]

Akkihebbalu Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Akkihebbalu Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is as ancient as our Puranas. Sage Gouthama's penance appeased Lord Vishnu and he appeared before him and asked his wish, the sage asked Lord Vishnu to … [Read More...]

Palash Tree
This tree blooms during February and covers the landscape red thus deriving the other name Flame of the Forest. Botanical name of Palash tree is Butea monosperma belonging to family Fabaceae. … [Read More...]

Vasant Panchami
"Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa shubhravastraavritha Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara, Yaa shwetha padmaasanaa, Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes

Paneer Vegetable Sauté
This is a very simple dish with minimum spices. Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup Broccoli florets 1 Cup Beans, Chopped into ½ inch pieces 1 Cup Carrot, Peeled and thinly … [Read More...]

Kayi Kadabu – Coconut Gujiya – Karanji recipe
A deep fried sweet with coconut stuffing. This is prepared during festivals and offered to god. Time Required: 40 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup Wheat Flour or Chiroti Rawa (fine Semolina) 4 … [Read More...]

Ambali
Gruel prepared with rice and curds. Ambali is prepared on Shravana Shanivara Vratha / religious observance. Time Required: 20 Minutes Serves: 2 Ingredients: 1 Cup Rice 2 Green … [Read More...]

Summer Salad
In summer, salads taste great as a meal by itself or as an accompaniment for the main course. Time Required: 10 Minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 Ripe Mangoes, Cubed 1 Cup Pomegranate 1 … [Read More...]

Lettuce Salad
Lettuce was introduced by my dad who as a vegetarian had survived on this in England during his University days. I love all types of Lettuce and introduce it as much as possible in salads. Time … [Read More...]

Samosa
Samosas are a deep fried conical shaped pastry stuffed with Potatoes and spices. It is the most popular snack in India. Time Required: 45 Minutes Ingredients: Oil for deep frying For the … [Read More...]

Alu Bhaji – Aloo Bhaji Recipe – Potato Side Dish Recipe
A simple and easy to prepare Potato side dish. Alu Bhaji is prepared in North India on a daily basis and is served with Poori and Phulka. Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 4 … [Read More...]

Whole Gooseberry Jam
Bottles of whole Gooseberry jam would be lined up in kitchen shelf to last for a year and we would be given one Gooseberry daily in a cup along with some sugar syrup like a Jamoon. This jam used to … [Read More...]
Travel

Wellington Coonoor
Wellington, as the name suggests was the British cantonment area of the Nilgiris. It continues to be the Regimental Centre for the Madras Regiment of the Indian Army. Wellington Coonoor is a … [Read More...]

Kaudiyala, Uttarakhand
Kaudiyala is situated 37 Km from Rishikesh and it is famous for white water rafting on the Ganges. The flow of Ganges is glorious here. You can see many young people camping here waiting impatiently … [Read More...]

Kigga
Visit to this quaint village surrounded by natural beauty was a joy. Unassuming people with smiles, modest houses and children playing outdoor games greet you in Kigga. It is indeed a breath of fresh … [Read More...]

Hadinaru Kere
One early morning we decided to drive to Hadinaru village to visit the Hadinaru Kere (lake) as we had heard that a large number of bar headed geese had ascended on the lake all the way from … [Read More...]

Shivanasamudra
The route of River Cauvery’s journey from her birthplace Talacauvery to Bay of Bengal is dotted with picturesque waterfalls, pilgrimage centers, islands and confluence of rivers. Picture1 - … [Read More...]

Padubidri
Padubidri is situated on the west coast of Karnataka in Udupi District. It is famous for the ancient temples, festivals, Padubidri end point, and the Padubidri beach. In Tulu language it is … [Read More...]

Sharavathi River
Sharavathi is a river with its origin at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, Shimoga district. Sharavathi river also tumbles down the cliff to form the enticing Jog Falls. A dam was constructed … [Read More...]
Festivals

Adhik Maas – Adhika Masa – Purushotham Maas – Maal Maas
Adhik Maas is an extra month added to the Lunar Calendar to be in sync with the Solar Calendar. This period is also known as Adhika Masa in Kannada, Malimmacha (Maal), and Purushotham (Lord … [Read More...]

Morada Bagina
Bagina is an offering of everything essential and dear to you. It is believed that you will be blessed with all the things that you desire by performing particular vratas/ vowed religious observance … [Read More...]

Guru Poornima
Guru Poornima is the auspicious day of worshiping the Guru/Master falls on Poornima, which is the full moon day in the Hindu season of Ashada. July - August in the Gregorian calendar. This … [Read More...]

Festival dates in Kartik month – October and November 2025
Kārtik (October – November) Diwali /Balipadyami/New Year in Gujarat - 22 October 2025 Karthika Somawara - 27 October, 3 November, 10 November, and 17 November 2025 Uttandwadashi - 2 … [Read More...]

Sheege Hunnime
Sheege Hunnime festival is fondly remembered by my mother. The excerpt follows… My dad seemed to be in a very celebrative mood. He ordered the servants to get the bullock cart ready and also … [Read More...]

Navaratri Golu – Dolls Arrangement during Dasara
This is in continuation of the post “Traditional Dolls Arrangement”. The custom of arranging dolls during Navaratri / Dasara is also followed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. In these states … [Read More...]

Buddha Poornima – Vesak
Buddham Sharanam Gatchami|| The above verse is a chant of Buddhists meaning "I take refuge in Lord Buddha". Buddha Poornima is celebrated by Buddhists all over the world. It is celebrated on … [Read More...]
